To the Rescue: Don't Look Down

To the Rescue: Don't Look Down

North never met a person he didn't love... and that's his biggest problem. Friends and strangers alike are showered with the same attention and affection. But, when he gets excited, he often forgets his manners! During one visit to the vet's office, North was perfectly calm as the two of us waited for the vet to come in, but the minute the doctor arrived, he forgot to sit and was jumping with joy.

The vet announced that we were going to ignore North altogether. The two of us began talking and he told me to continue speaking and not to look down towards North or even glance in his general direction. The doctor assured me that if we paid zero attention to North, he would soon do the same.

Now, I'll admit, I was skeptical at first. I was familiar with ignoring pets that were being naughty but never did I focus entirely on keeping my head and eyes up. Yet, sure enough, within a couple minutes North was ignoring us to sniff around the exam room before laying down on the floor! Next time your pooch acts out, test this out, and let me know if it works for you too!

It does work if you have patience. But when my dogs misbehave it is usually something that can't be ignored like they are in the garbage or they are chewing on my clothes. I do ignore them when I get home from work and they are super excited to see me. It quiets them down alot faster than trying to control them.

My Boston Terrier's big thing right now is wanting to jump on everyone in the elevator by putting his front paws on their legs. Most people think it's cute, but some want to ignore him. And regardless, I have to keep apologizing for his behavior. Very frustrating!